FAQs
- Bill, Tax & Fee payments
- How can I get a parking permit?If you reside or own property in a certain district, the street parking maybe regulated by permit only. You may contact the Community Development Department at (559) 713-4444. The office is located at 315 E Acequia, Visalia, CA 93291
- I have a question about a bill from the city.For questions regarding your City of Visalia Utility bill, please call our Customer Care Center at 1-833-COV-BILL (1-833-268-2455).
- How can I get a parking permit?
- Business
- Can I get a sign for my business?Contact the Planning Dept at (559) 713-4359 for information and details.
- Can I put up a sign for a yard/garage sale?A sign is allowed to be up in your yard only.
- Can I get a grocery cart picked up?The City does not provide this service. You can call the store that owns the cart and ask them to pick it up.
- What is a conditional use permit?Contact the Planning Division at (559) 713-4359.
- I want to sell goods or services at an event in the city.Contact the Business Tax Division at (559) 713-4326 and or Contact event organizer or the Parks & Recreation Department Special Event Coordinator at (559) 713-4365.
- I want to hold an outdoor / open-air event... do I need a permit?Varies depending on the event, for Special Event requirements contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (559) 713-7536
- Do I need a permit to film in the city?Contact the Planning Division at (559) 713-4359 for information and details.
- What is a certificate of occupancy permit?The Chief Building Official issues a Certificate of Occupancy to certify that a new commercial building has met and satisfied all required City code inspections and is approved for occupancy.
- Can I get a newspaper rack removed?Contact the Downtown Visalians at (559) 732-7737.
- What programs exist for minority or women owned businesses?The City of Visalia does not have any programs for minority or women owned businesses.
- Where do I get or renew my taxi license?Contact the Visalia Police Dept. at (559) 713-4222. Fees are $60.
- What are my responsibilities for the sidewalk outside my business?Maintaining the sidewalks, curbs and gutters and drive approaches within the City of Visalia is the sole responsibility of the property owner on whose property the damaged concrete improvements reside. Those areas are right of way access for the public and are required to be maintained in a safe condition so pedestrians (including handicapped with walkers, wheel chairs etc.) can safely pass by. For additional information please call the Public Works Customer Service line at 713-4428.
- How do I transfer my business to a new owner?Business tax is not transferred but is closed and a new business tax started. Contact the Business Tax Division at (559) 713-4326.
- Do I need a license to work from home?Yes. Contact the Business Tax Division at (559) 713-4326. You also need to apply for a home occupation permit with the Planning Division at (559) 713-4359.
- How do I find out about bidding for city contracts?Contact the Purchasing Dept. at (559) 713-4333.
- Do I need a permit for a yard/garage sale?No permit is required. Only two (2) yard/garage sales are allowed per year for a maximum of three (3) days each.
- How much does a business license or permit cost?
There are different taxes for each category of business. For more information about business licensing and a complete fee schedule visit the web at: Business Tax or stop in the office at, 315 E. Acequia, (559) 713-4326
- What licenses do I need to start a business?
A City Business Tax Certificate is required; however it is a tax not a license to operate. Requirements from other regulatory agencies may be needed and is recommended to receive approval prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate. Visit the web at: Business Tax or contact the Business Tax Division at 315 E. Acequia, (559) 713-4326.
- How can I submit my Business Tax Application?Applications may be sumitted in person, by mail or my email.
- What if my business has closed or I am no longer working in Visalia?You must notify us of your business close date. Non-payment of fees does not automatically close your account.
- What is the Business Tax Certificate licensing period?The City of Visalia Business Tax Division bills semi-annually, so the licensing period is January-June and July-December. The City does not prorate. Certificates expire on January 31st and June 30th of each year.
- Business Tax Certificate Renewal Information
Business Tax Certificates must be renewed by January 31st and July 31st and become delinquent on February 1st and August 1st.
The City mails a Declaration of Gross Receipts form every year in March. This form must be returned to our office by April 30th. If this form is received after April 30th you will be charged an administrative fee and billed the maximum tax on the next billing cycle. This administrative fee will not be waived for any reason. To have the maximum tax reduced, you will need to provide your gross receipt information.
All renewal mailing and notifications are done as a courtesy, and it is your responsibility as the business owner to renew your Business Tax Certificate when it expires. Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice.
- I want to buy city surplus goods.City surplus goods are sold through the Tulare County Purchasing Dept. Contact (559) 733-6286.
- Can I get a sign for my business?
- Permits & Licenses
- Do I need a permit for a yard or garage sale?No permit is required. Only two (2) yard/garage sales are allowed per year for a maximum of three (3) days each.
- Can I put up a sign on telephone poles?No
- I want to film in the city who do I talk to?Contact the Planning Division at (559) 713-4359 for information and details.
- Tell me about construction permits.A building permit is a license which grants permission to start construction of a building project. It is a vital step to to protect the public health, safety and welfare as well as assuring safe construction. Contact the Community Development Department at (559) 713-4444.
- I am opening a retail store, what business permits do I need?A City Business Tax Certificate is required; however it is a tax not a license to operate. Requirements from other regulatory agencies may be needed and is recommended to receive approval prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate. Visit the web or contact the Business Tax Division at 315 E. Acequia, (559) 713-4326.
- I am opening a restaurant, what permits and licenses do I need?A City Business Tax Certificate is required; however it is a tax not a license to operate. Requirements from other regulatory agencies may be needed and is recommended to receive approval prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate. Visit the web below: or contact the Business Tax Division at 315 E. Acequia, (559) 713-4326.
- How do I obtain a contractor’s license?Contact the California Contractors State License Board at 1-800-321-CSLB for information. You can also find information by following the links below.
- How do I renew my contractor’s license?Contact the California Contractors State License Board at 1-800-321-CSLB for information. You can also find information by following the links below.
- I am building a new house, what departments do I talk to?Contact Community Development Department ( Planning Division and Building Safety Divisions) at 559-713-4444 located at 315 E Acequia, Visalia
- I am remodeling my house, what permits do I need?Building, Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Permits as applicable may be required. Contact the Building Safety Division at 315 E Acequia, Visalia, CA (559) 713-4444. If located in the Historic Preservation District prior approval is needed from the Planning Division at (559) 713-4359.
- Do I need a permit for my business sign?Contact the Planning Dept at 713-4359 for information and details.
- Do I need a permit for a new swimming pool?Yes. Contact the Building Safety Division at 315 E Acequia, Visalia, CA (559) 713-4444
- Can I renew my driving license online?Information is available from the Department of Motor Vehicles, see link below.
- Do I need a license or permit to run a business out of my house?Yes. Contact the Business Tax Division at (559) 713-4326. You also need to apply for a home occupation permit with the Planning Division at (559) 713-4359.
- I am starting a new business, what licenses do I need?A City Business Tax Certificate is required; however it is a tax not a license to operate. Requirements from other regulatory agencies may be needed and is recommended to receive approval prior to applying for a Business Tax Certificate. Visit the web or contact the Business Tax Division at 315 E. Acequia, (559) 713-4326.
- Where can I go for General Business Assistance?Contact the Business Tax Division at (559) 713-4326 or the Better Business Bureau at (559) 625-9020 .
- Can I get a Small Business loan?Contact Brian Moe with the Small Business Development Center at (559) 625-3051.
- I want to transfer my business to a new owner.Business tax is not transferred but is closed and a new business tax started. Contact the Business Tax Division at (559) 713-4326.
- Do I need a permit for a yard or garage sale?